Top Scot MacIntyre reveals a fear of heights as his golfing climb continues

Climbing the famed Sydney Harbour Bridge is a must for many on a visit to Australia’s first city, but not for Robert MacIntyre.

The top-ranked Scot and Ryder Cup player is in Sydney for this week’s joint hosting of both the men’s and women’s Australian Open, and being held on ‘The Australian’ and near adjoining ‘The Lakes’ courses.

MacIntyre’s family has flown out from Scotland to support their Ryder Cup winning son as he seeks to become the first Scot in 128-years to lift the Stonehaven Cup when Carnoustie’s Dan Soutar won the second hosting of the championship in 1905.

The family spent Monday seeing many of the sights of the ‘Harbour City’ but when it came to climbing ‘The Coat Hanger’, as the bridge that links the city to the northern suburbs of Sydney is affectionately referred to, MacIntyre was having none of it.

It took six-years for the Sydney Harbour Bridge to be built when it opened in 1932, and it continues to remain the highest and widest steel arch bridge in the world, measuring 1,256-yards long and 146-yards high.

So, while the rest of MacIntyre family set off on the climb, he and his Glencruitten Club head greenkeeper father, Dougie stayed at Sydney Harbour-side level to have a few beers in the famed area under the bridge known as ‘The Rocks’.

“It was a good day out with the family,” said MacIntyre.

“I’ve only been to Sydney once before for a day trip with my family from Melbourne, but I was too scared to go up the Harbour Bridge.

“I’m just scared of heights (smiling), so my Dad and I decided we’ll stay on the bottom and go sightseeing and just chill out and have a beer. It’s very relaxing, but now it’s all focus on golf.”

However, MacIntyre’s focus on this week’s Australian Open was tested when he arrived earlier today to find the wedges missing from his golf bag.

A DP World Tour official indicated the clubs went missing between the close of play last Sunday at the Australian PGA Championship in Sydney and arriving at The Lakes course where he played a practice round.

MacIntyre’s caddy Mike Burrows was “on the case sourcing replacements,” said the official.